All Is Not Well: 70% of Indian Students Suffer from Anxiety and Depression, Study Finds
05-Oct-25 05:50:06
New Delhi, October 2025:
A recent multi-city study has revealed an alarming mental health crisis among India’s youth. Conducted by SRM University, Andhra Pradesh, and published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry, the study found that nearly 70% of Indian college students aged 18–29 suffer from moderate to high levels of anxiety and depression.
According to the study, 69.9% of students reported anxiety, 59.9% showed symptoms of depression, and 70.3% experienced emotional distress. The research surveyed 1,628 students across eight Tier-I cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru.
Key Findings from the Study:
- 69.9% had moderate to high anxiety
- 59.9% reported symptoms of depression
- 70.3% experienced emotional distress
- 79% had a low mental health index
- 32.1% had weak emotional ties
- 14.6% reported low life satisfaction
City-wise Insights:
- Delhi students reported the highest depression and anxiety levels
- South India showed higher emotional well-being and positivity
- Kolkata students had low positivity but stronger psychological resilience
- Hyderabad reported the lowest depression rates among the surveyed cities
Gender Difference Noted:
The study found that female students showed higher emotional distress than male students, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive mental health interventions.
Expert Opinion:
Dr. Kakollu Suresh, lead author of the study, said,
“The rising mental health issues among youth demand urgent national attention and policy-level response. Many young adults skip timely mental health checkups due to stigma or lack of awareness.”
Experts recommend tailored mental wellness programs, campus-level counselling, and stronger emotional support systems.
Ayurveda’s Perspective:
Ayurveda views anxiety (Chittodvega) and depression (Manodvega) as imbalances of Vata and Rajas Dosha.
Ayurvedic therapies such as Shirodhara, Abhyanga (oil massage), and Nasya, along with herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Jatamansi, can help calm the mind, improve sleep, and restore emotional balance.
Integrating Ayurveda into campus wellness programs can help manage stress naturally and prevent chronic mental fatigue.
Source: Original report – The Times of India
Study reference – Asian Journal of Psychiatry, July–Nov 2023, SRM University, Andhra Pradesh